Category: Fall 2008

Through The Looking Glass – The Vision Behind YogaFit

Through The Looking Glass – The Vision Behind YogaFit

YogaFit has come to reign as the largest yoga entity in all of North America and currently trains a staggering 11,000 motivated yoga enthusiasts each year with no end in sight. As powerful as yoga is to our overall health, Agenda Magazine felt compelled to unveil the inspirational personality that is quickly becoming fitness royalty in a growing health conscious world. We took the opportunity to discover what has distinguished YogaFit as such an influential presence in the US with some one on one time Beth Shaw herself.

What would you say distinguishes YogaFit from all other Yoga entities out there today?

YogaFit is more than just a yoga company, we are a way of life for millions of people. By that I mean that as a company we stand for philanthropy, helping others, making a positive difference in the world, and helping the group consciousness of the planet evolve. In terms of yoga, we are ‘Real Yoga for Real People .’ This means we take a common sense and safe approach to yoga and try to attract as many people as we can to the practice via a user-friendly fitness based formant.”

It’s fantastic how conscious YogaFit is of its clients needs and very admirable that YogaFit is giving of itself as it prospers. Who would you say you created YogaFit for and why?

I created YogaFit because I saw a need in the marketplace for accessible user-friendly and safe yoga.

What would you say is one of the most common beginner mistakes you encounter in the world of Yoga and what advice would you give to correct it?

Ego plays a huge part in creating expectations and injuries. Trying to master each pose too quickly is unnecessary and injurious to the body/mind.

There are so many potential yoga enthusiast out there today. What words of wisdom do you have for an individual who is deciding whether to begin a journey into yoga?

Try many different styles and teachers. Find out who and what resonates with you -it’s like dating (playful smile).

Your passion for your clients is wonderful. Where do you hope to see YogaFit’s passion take you in a few years?

I hope to see YogaFit rapidly becoming a worldwide global force for positive change and advocacy.

What would you say most inspires you as positive health authority?

The power that fitness yoga and health has over me, and the positive changes they consistently produce in others. Our health is our foundation for everything and our most valuable asset always!”

You must reflect constantly to have such a great out look on life, what is the last significant positive life lesson you have learned?

A small group of concerned citizens can make a difference–everyone can make a difference on this planet, and we all need to.

Why don’t you give our readers a better understanding of Beth Shaw, who do you most admire in this big beautiful world of ours and why?

[I admire] People who walk their talk. I have come in contact with many people who speak ‘ Spiritual-ese’ but fail to live it. I admire Judy Mancuso of Social Compassion who authorized the mandatory spay/neuter bill for California. I admire my animal activist friends like Ellen Levinthal from Animal Alliance who works tirelessly for animals. I admire Gretchen Wilde who founded the humane society genesis awards. I admire Ingrid Newkirk, founder of PETA–she is the real deal!

It is very refreshing and wonderful to know that you are keeping an eye out for the four-legged inhabitants of this world too along with us two legged creatures. Tell us, what are you most proud of in the long-lived successful life of YogaFit?

The vast amount of community service we have been able to do for humans and animals.

Why don’t you give Agenda readers a sneak peek of your future plans. What exciting projects are you working on currently?

My new book, YogaFit gets released from Human Kinetics Publishing in January. Also, we have some very exciting new class formats like ‘Full Body Blast’ and some great eco-friendly bamboo clothing.

Any last words?

We would love to have more like minded-people join our network – also – Spay & Neuter your pets PLEASE!

Visit YogaFit online at www.yogafit.com and learn about the 9 mind body fitness conferences nationwide annually.

Interviewed by Anthony Heredia

The Super Berry Sweeping the U.S – Acai Revealed – Brazilian Berry Destroys Cancer

The Super Berry Sweeping the U.S – Acai Revealed
Brazilian Berry Destroys Cancer

The power-packed Acai berry (ah-SAH’-ee) is making headlines as reports of its healing properties sweep the nation. The power-packed super berry is relatively new to the U. S. market but has been consumed by millions in South America for thousands of years. The origin of our bullet berry lies deep in the jungles of the Amazon, Brazil, and various areas surrounding Peru. The acai berry is found in bunches of 700-900, high above in palm trees and is harvested only twice a year, making it a precious commodity.  This precious gem has been touted as a treasure because of its extremely high antioxidant levels and unique healing properties. Oxidation is a highly destructive process that occurs in our bodies and causes a wide variety of consequences, ranging from the wrinkles women avoid fervently to the very serious cancer. Experts are constantly in pursuit of an upper hand on cancer, and the acai berry has thus far proven itself a cancer weapon to be reckoned with. Published in the 2006 Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, a study showed extracts from the acai berry triggered a self-destruct response in up to 86 percent of leukemia cells tested, according to Stephen Talcott, an assistant professor with University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.  Talcott further expressed, “This was only a cell-culture model and we don’t want to give anyone false hope. We are encouraged by the findings, however. Compounds that show good activity against cancer cells in a model system are most likely to have beneficial effects in our bodies.”  The study consisted of six different chemical extracts prepared in seven concentrations. Four of the extracts were shown to kill significant numbers of leukemia cells when applied for 24 hours. Depending on the extract and concentration, anywhere from about 35 percent to 86 percent of the cells died. Nothing is for certain, though, since factors such as nutrient absorption, metabolism, and the influence of other biochemical processes may influence the antioxidants’ chemical activity in the human body.

In order to understand this little wonder’s potency in an example closer to home we will compare it to the highly acclaimed blueberry in order to convey its famously high antioxidant levels which keep your skin youthful and vibrant and your body healthy. We will take a look at the levels of flavanoids and anthocyanin in these fruits, as these are the elements that give them their fame and glory. These elements are significant because modern science has yet to fully understand and bottle these powerful elements. These are components of the fruits that you cannot go out and buy off shelves. In order to fully reap the benefits of these elements, you must come as close as possible to the natural source, hence “the fresher, the better.”  For every fresh 3⁄4 cup of blueberry we find a respectable 113mg of 8 Flavanoids.  In comparison, the acai berry pulls in an unprecedented 1289mg of over 15 rare Flavanoids for the same amount.

So far, only fundamental research has been done on acai berries, which contain at least 50 to 75 as yet unidentified compounds, but nonetheless this berry ranks highest in its class. Vital to maintaining this juggernaut’s potency, though, is in the preservation and handling of the fruit. Not all Acai is created equal, so buyers beware. All these tests were taken with flash frozen (freeze-dried) samples.  This is relevant as freeze drying the berries and fast handling is significantly more expensive for companies, so many will use consumers’ lack of knowledge to their advantage. Many companies opt to take the more lucrative route of standard handling and drying of the berries, significantly compromising the levels of potency. Make no mistake, though, even with the more standard handling, the acai berry still maintains its title in the world of fruits and vegetables. When freeze dried the acai is 12 times more potent, compared to when it is simply dried and reduces to 3 times stronger than our blueberry by the time it reaches consumers. The means of testing antioxidant levels of food are with a test referred to as the ORAC or “oxygen radical absorbance capacity” analysis.  Our acai rated at 1027 micromol TE/g. There is no need to understand those measuring units; but now that you understand how potent the acai is, you can appreciate the ORAC rating of other power health foods. Other powders with ORAC values this high include cinnamon (2675 micromol TE/g), cloves (3144 micromol TE/g), turmeric (2001 micromol TE/g), and dried oregano (1593 micromol TE/g) (Wu, 2004).

100 g (4/5 cup) of pure acai pulp contains 52.2 g carbohydrates, 8.1 g protein and 32.5 g total fat. The carbohydrate portion, though, includes 44.2 g of fiber. Having nearly one-third of its mass as dietary fiber, Acai is an exceptional source of this valuable macronutrient, providing all the recommended fiber needs for adults (30 g per day). Acai is particularly rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and the polyunsaturated Omega-6 fatty acid, linoleic acid, a rare combination. The combination of elements in our Acai berry allows it to demolish an immense amount of threats to our bodies, bringing new levels of health to our lives.  All in all, the Acai comes highly recommended.  Feel free to enjoy it in any and all products you find, but do make sure that if you are seeking to bask in the cornucopia of benefits we discussed, that you find those on which was spent the extra money to freeze dry the product. Here is a benefit recap our Brazilian juggernaut ushers into our lives.  Enjoy the anti-aging, cancer fighting wonder, Agenda readers.

* Boosts energy levels
* Improves digestive function
* Improves mental clarity/focus
* Promotes sound sleep
* Provides all vital vitamins
* Contains several important minerals
* Is an extremely powerful free radical fighter
* Acai has very high levels of fibers
* Cleanses and Detoxifies the body of infectious toxins
* Strengthens your immune system
* Enhances sexual desire and performance
* Fights cancerous cells
* Slows down the aging process
* Promotes healthier and younger-looking skin
* Alleviates diabetes
* Normalizes and regulates cholesterol levels
* Helps maintain healthy heart function
* Minimizes inflammation
* Improves circulation
* Prevents artherosclerosis
* Enhances visual acuity

References

1. Cancer Study References – Tom Nordlie tnordlie@ifas.ufl.edu, Stephen Talcott, sttalcott@ifas.ufl.edu and Joshua Bomser, jbomser@hec.ohio-state.edu http://news.ufl.edu/2006/01/12/berries/
2. Cordova-Fraga T, de Araujo DB, Sanchez TA, Elias J Jr, Carneiro AA, Brandt-Oliveira R, Sosa M, & Baffa, O. (2004). Euterpe oleracea (Acai) as an alternative oral contrast agent in MRI of the gastrointestinal system: preliminary results. Magn. Reson. Imaging. 22 (3): 389-93.
3. Lichtenthaler, R., Rodrigues, R. B., Maia, J. G., Papagiannopoulos, M., Fabricius, H., & Marx, F. (2005). Total oxidant scavenging capacities of Euterpe oleracea Mart. (Acai) fruits. Int. J. Food Sci. Nutr. 56: 53-64.
4. Lubrano, C., Robin, J. R., and Khaiat, A. (1994). Fatty-acid, sterol and tocopherol composition of oil from the fruit mesocarp of 6 palm species in French-Guiana. Oleagineux 49: 59-65.
5. Del Pozo-Insfran, D., Brenes, C. H. and Talcott, S. T. 2004. Phytochemical composition and pigment stability of Acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.). Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 52: 1539-1545.
6. Del Pozo-Insfran, D., Percival, S. S., & Talcott, S. T. (2006). Acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) polyphenolics in their glycoside and aglycone forms induce apoptosis of HL-60 leukemia cells. J. Agric. Food Chem. 54 (4): 1222-1229.
7. Dyer, A. P. 1996. Latent energy in Enterpe oleracea. Biomass Energy Environ., Proc. Bioenergy Conf. 9th.
8. Murrieta, R. S. S., Dufour, D. L. and Siqueira, A. D. 1999. Food consumption and subsistence in three Caboclo populations on Marajo Island, Amazonia, Brazil. Human ecology 27: 455-475.
9. Plotkin, M. J. and Balick, M. J. 1984. Medicinal uses of South American palms. J Ethnopharmacol 10: 157-79.
10. Riffle, R. L. and Craft, P. (2003). An Encyclopedia of Cultivated Palms. Portland, Timber Press.
11. Rodrigues, R. B., Lichtenthaler, R., Zimmermann, B. F., Papagiannopoulos, M., Fabricius, H., Marx, F., Maia, J. G. and Almeida, O. (2006). Total oxidant scavenging capacity of Euterpe oleracea Mart. (acai) seeds and identification of their polyphenolic compounds. J. Agric. Food Chem. 54: 4162-4167.
12. Schauss, A. G., Wu, X., Prior, R. L., Ou, B., Patel, D., Huang, D., & Kababick, J. P. (2006a). Phytochemical and nutrient composition of the freeze-dried amazonian palmberry, Euterpe oleraceae Mart. (acai). J. Agric. Food Chem. 54 (22): 8598-8603.
13. Schauss, A. G., Wu, X., Prior, R. L., Ou, B., Huang, D., Owens, J., Agarwal, A., Jensen, G. S., Hart, A. N., & Shanbrom, E. (2006b). Antioxidant capacity and other bioactivities of the freeze-dried amazonian palm berry, Euterpe oleraceae Mart. (acai). J. Agric. Food Chem. 54 (22): 8604-8610.
14. Schauss, A. G., (2006c). Acai (Euterpe oleracea): An Extraordinary Antioxidant-Rich Palm Fruit. Biosocial Publications.
15. Silva, S. & Tassara, H. (2005). Fruit Brazil Fruit. Sao Paulo, Brazil, Empresa das Artes.
16. Wu, X., Beecher, G.R., Holden, J.M., Haytowitz,D.B., Gebhardt, S.E., & Prior, R.L. (2004). Lipophilic and Hydrophilic Antioxidant Capacities of Common Foods in the United States. J. Agric. Food Chem. 52 (12): 4026-4037.

Getting Your Other Half off the Couch

Getting Your Other Half off the Couch

The average American reaching age 77 will have viewed over 150,000 hours of TV in his/her lifetime.  (Are you kidding me!?) That equates to spending roughly 17 years of one’s precious life in front of a glowing box.  Absolutely horrendous! According to the surgeon general, more than 60 percent of American adults don’t exercise regularly and 25 percent aren’t active at all. The Center for Disease Control says that 34 percent of Americans are overweight, and more than 72 million people were obese from 2005 to 2006. Inertia has become a national emergency. Had I not excavated the research myself, I wouldn’t have believed it. This issue of Fitness Couture will be dedicated to tackling the daunting task of prying our significant other off that couch in a manner that won’t result in law enforcement showing up at your door. Let us avoid that whole sirens-blaring scenario, shall we?  Exercise is absolutely omnipotent in the way it enhances every single aspect of your life. Being fit enhances self esteem and energy levels; it promotes better sleep patterns, clearer thinking, promotions at work─yes, you read that right─relieves depression, and improves complexion. Living fit slows aging, regulates sex drive, regulates hormone levels, increases work productivity, and enhances the immune system, along with so much else. There are a myriad reasons as to why someone should get fit, but today we are going to highlight the fact that couples who live a fit life together stick to their programs longer, as well as stay together longer and happier. Once you are inspired to help your loved one at the end of this article, head over to Health 101 for help with a battle plan for actually getting him/her moving.

For some, exercise is an outlet. I know that I consider my workout time “me” time. I don’t take my cell phone with me or let anyone know I’m out running so I can disappear if even for a moment, but there are always those times when I would love some company. It’s about balance. You might love exercise as “you” time, which is fine, but that doesn’t mean you can’t share a workout or two, getting your potato of a spouse motivated. Here are just 6 benefits to exercising with your partner that you might not have thought of.

1. Balance – With many couples, one partner tends to favor cardio (typically women), while the other tends to favor strength training (typically men). By working out together, you can balance your workout program to include more of both while educating each other. Let your partner teach you about the areas of fitness you’re unsure of, and be open to new fitness experiences.

2. Quality Time – Couples spend most of their time apart due to careers and regular responsibilities. Instead of working out alone every time, why not plan a little workout time that fits both of your schedules. The couple that sweats together stays together after all. You’ll reach your fitness goals without sacrificing that one-on-one time every partnership needs.

3. Respect and Pride – These topics are immense deal breakers.  Getting in shape for someone who doesn’t appreciate the work has ended many a relationship. By working out together at least once a week, you both can respect each other more by seeing what it takes each other to be healthy. Taking care of your body and your health also shows your other half that you care about him/her by wanting to be around for years to come.

4. Inspiration and Support – Getting encouragement and praise from your partner is one of the best motivators. When he/she sees you sweating bullets, it creates admiration. The absolute best compliment anyone can give someone is, “You make me want to be a better person.”  You become inspiration. It helps both of you to remain consistent, take care of one another, and inspires you to continue your workout program.

5. Teamwork and Safety – Working out together gives you a chance to work on your communication skills and teamwork. With someone else watching your form and being there to spot you when you need it, you’ll exercise more safely than if you were alone. This creates fantastic bonding and trust.

6. Sexual Desire – Exercise produces chemicals in the brain that evoke feelings of happiness, reduce stress, and also increase arousal and libido. Several studies show that men and women who exercise regularly report better (and more frequent) sex with their partners. Watching your partner grunt, sweat and combat a hard workout regimen can be a powerful aphrodisiac, but don’t take my word for it. Let me know how this all turns out Agenda readers, don’t forget to check out Health 101 for a battle plan. Until we meet again I bid thee all adieu.

With these workout ideas for couples, you and your partner can spend quality time together while you stay on track to reaching your goals.

A.C. Nielsen Co Study – 2007http://www.csun.edu/science/health/docs/tv&health.html

Written by Anthony Heredia

Twilight – Stephanie Meyer

Twilight

Stephanie Meyer

Twilight is the first of a book series by author Stephanie Meyer. The novel is centered around a teenage romance between a vampire named Edward Cullen and the shy Bella Swan.  Bella leaves her hometown to live with her father in a small, misty and rainy town named Fork, where Bella is forced to make a whole new set of friends. Bella sees Edward Cullen, a stunning, good-looking teenage boy sitting with his friends in the cafeteria and is immediately intrigued. Even though he lived with his family in Fork for over two years, he was still somewhat of an outsider. Bella attempts to become his friend, but Edward at first seems put off by her. However the two soon become good friends, and eventually Bella falls hopelessly in love. But there’s a problem. She can’t seem to figure out what is it that makes Edward so different.

One day Bella learns of a legend about the “cold ones,” a group of vampires that only feed off the bare minimal animal blood, not human blood. Even though they do not hunt human blood, these vampires are not welcome. Bella realizes Edward is one of those ‘vegetarian’ vampires, but this knowledge of his not being human changes nothing for her. She is still irrevocably in love with him.

Twilight is told in first person from Bella’s perspective with a very sarcastic inner voice. Since we only read what’s going on in Bella’s head, Edward and his family remain a mystery for most of the novel. But slowly his back story is revealed.

Twilight starts out slow, but once you get into it, you will not be able to put it down. There are plenty of scary moments in this book to keep you on the edge of your seat, especially the scene where Bella is running away from threatening vampires that want to kill her; and even though she has Edward and his coven protecting her, there is a time in the story where she is defenseless and has to fight off her adversaries on her own. There is no shortage of bone-chilling, hair-raising moments. Twilight is a special book that’s easily relatable and surprisingly universal, crossing all age barriers. Bella herself is a well developed, realistic character. Twilight is beautifully written, full of descriptive details. There are touching moments when you feel the urgency of the two main characters refusing to give up on their impossible love but desperately trying to make it work. You are taken to extreme moments of passion to the frantic will to survival. Even if you don’t care for vampire stories, I guarantee you’ll really like Twilight .

ISBN: 978-0316160179, Little, Brown, October, 2005

Check out the other books in the series: The Host , Eclipse , and newly released Breaking Dawn .

Reviewed by Nicole Mouser and Kaylene Peoples

TIPS FOR TEENS – Been There, Survived That Joe Pinsker, Hannah Shr, Carolyn Hou, Maxfield Peterson

TIPS FOR TEENS – Been There, Survived That

Joe Pinsker, Hannah Shr, Carolyn Hou, Maxfield Peterson

Subtitled Getting Through Freshman Year of High School, Been There, Survived That is a how-to manual for the student just entering high school. Written by four teenagers who were once freshmen themselves, the ninety-six page pamphlet is divided into three sections: Social Advice, Academic Advice, and Practical Advice. Quoted from page 5, “It includes tips on everything from how to deal with failure and survive group projects to how to make up good excuses for teachers and fake sick days.” Humorous and captivating, the manual is very easy to read. The new high school student will find it very helpful, as it will contribute to his/her ease of adjustment.

ISBN-13:978-097901737-7

ISBN-10:097901737-8

Fashion 101, A Crash Course in Clothing, written by Erika Stalder with illustrations by Ariel Krietzman, is a catalog of 300+ illustrated wardrobe items: dresses and skirts, tops and coats, pants and shorts, shoes, and underthings. With the exception of underthings,accessories are also included. This catalog will appeal to the young fashionista in that for each of the wardrobe items, four topics are covered:

What They Look Like and How to Wear Them

The Eras That Inspired Them

The Designers Who Made Them

The Celebs Who Made Them Hot

ISBN-13:978-097901734-6

ISBN-10:097901734-3

For more information on both of these books, visitwww.zestbooks.net.

2008 Presidential Campaign One Day We’ll Laugh About All This

One Day We’ll Laugh About All This

By Natalie Martin

this is what it comes down to, I suppose. After eight years of leadership (although that term decidedly assumed a loose definition sometime around 2004), the election polls are close enough to suggest not too many people learned their lessons throughout George W. Bush’s administration. If the presidential and vice-presidential debates prove anything, it’s that we so severely have devolved into a marketing-campaign atmosphere that treats truths and inconveniences when they threaten the appeal of our preferred candidates. It’s almost funny.

I should begin this as would any philosopher poised to argue a point. First, unless you’re incredibly rich—or a masochist—you probably agree with nearly 70 percent of Americans who believe Bush Jr. is among the worst presidents this country ever had. The policies he endorsed and opposed during his reign indicate his motives for running for the Oval Office and a lack of empathy for the people he was supposed to represent. And with an anorexic economy, buoyed by an unpopular and costly war and hungry for an empowered workforce, staining our reputation as a world leader with a formidable but sensible military, Bush’s legacy forever stained not just itself, but the country’s history, its citizens, and even the Republican Party.

However, the rub is that at least 40 percent of the U. S. population isn’t paying attention. Despite Democratic Sen. Barack Obama’s increasing lead over Republican Sen. John McCain, a significant number of voters continue to wear political “blinders” because they’ve hardened their positions; and to confront them with the undesirable qualities of their presidential choice is tantamount to telling hard core Christians that the Bible isn’t the word of God, but just a bunch of “really cool stories.” They’ll self-indoctrinate even more. While on its face, that type of faith isn’t a bad thing, unlike a religion, which involves a personal and spiritual relationship,intentionally keeping oneself politically under-informed jeopardizes not just one person, but an entire country when a vote is on the line. Granted, as of this writing, more people plan to send Obama to clean up Bush’s mess rather than have McCain take a gander at it; but supporters of both candidates must not deprive themselves of every aspect of Obama’s and McCain’s platforms. Each of these men has, at one time or another, been a proponent of something unpalatable to his base; and being an informed voter means having to stomach the not-so-pleasant policies your candidate promotes.

Obama by no means comes close to the Texan atrocity who oversaw the mismanaged responses to September 11, Hurricanes Katrina and Ike, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the stock-market failure in the fall of 2008; nevertheless, he’s no progressive superman. In fact, while many right-wing critics lambaste the Illinois senator for what they call “extremely liberal” views, Obama is much more a pragmatist (and occasional political opportunist) than even his left-of-left supporters acknowledge. For middle-of-the-road voters, this should offer reassurance that the United States under his leadership won’t become some post-1960s, radical, tree-hugging utopia; for right-right-of-center voters, this should make them take another look at Obama’s candidacy. But for all the influence of mainstream media and “playing of the refs” this election year has witnessed, any blasé voter likely would enter the booth with the notion that Obama is the second coming of Gandhi (or Karl Marx incarnate). The senator continuously has stated his personal, non-liberal positions on abortion, gay marriage, business (to a degree), and warfare. And for those of his supporters who recognize and tolerate these views, well, kudos to you for knowing that fundamental principle: “You can’t please all the people all the time.”

On the contrary, however, McCain placed himself in an interesting and possibly beneficial quandary: He’s changed platforms so much during this campaign that he can’t really be pegged for any solid stance,it may be deliberate or just lucky. During the 2000 presidential election, McCain actually was the person I thought should lead. Back then, he really was a maverick within his party, and it was refreshing to see a Republican who still believed in traditionally Republican values of “bootstraps,” limited government, limited spending, and an aversion to nation-building. However, the John McCain of 2000 has gone the way of the dodo and has been replaced with what appears to be someone so set on earning a title that he’s forgone the very principles that made him one of the more suitable politicians. Let’s face it, they all suck,yes, even Rep. Dennis Kucinich, but to a lesser degree. He’s embraced the Bush administration’s tax policy; he’s championed a war that has caused possibly irreparable devastation to our military and our economy; and he’s dedicated himself to a campaign rife with lies and misrepresentations of his opponent. He’s even turned his back on legislation he himself has sponsored to boost his appeal among other Republicans, and yet ardent supporters of McCain somehow dismiss these things as not quite that important. And, you know, it’s kind of funny.

Maybe what we need is to start from rock bottom. Not just an “out with the old” endeavor, but cleansing the House and the Senate and restocking it with a group of people who haven’t been stained by ambition and streamlined their positions when they pose a risk to being elected. Perhaps this would be the best way to ensure we’re not deluding ourselves as voters. Perhaps this would prove that we’re willing to eat the worm. Perhaps we’d actually acquire politicians who give a damn because they know what it’s like to suffer under a malleable administration with ulterior motives. Perhaps, after it’s all said and done, we can sit back and smile for a job well done.

The Wolf Speaks

Insights

The Wolf Speaks

The wolf speaks.

I can hear the wolf whispering to me when I walk in the mountains. I must remember not to be afraid, for the wolf appears to me as the wind making its voice present by the sound it makes as it moves the leaves, the branches, and as it dances on my skin.

I’ve been taking a break from my worries and supporting my mental strength by hiking five miles at a stretch in the beautiful Claremont Mountains. I often see deer and their young feeding on the wild grasses that grow on the sides of the path I walk on.

When I first decided to hike alone, I was afraid ? too afraid to make the trek. I remember wandering up the mountain about half a mile before I turned around terrified. I read the warnings about the mountain lions and the bears and couldn’t bring myself to keep going on alone.

What would I do if I encountered a bear or a mountain lion? How would I survive a snake bite? Richard Pryor had a comedy skit about snakes in the woods. I take comfort in knowing that like him, “I’ve got rhythm.” When I see a snake I say, “Oh, snake,” and hop over him as I keep on struttin’ in the woods, or in my case, the mountains.

I’ve seen snakes, rattlers. They do not scare me, for I know that I am the intruder to their mountain home. But I also know that they won’t threaten me.

One day I got the idea to buy pepper spray to protect myself from animals. I purchased my pepper spray from a hardware store for $8.95 plus tax. The package read, “Works on wild animals, humans, and dogs. 30 minutes of painful stinging while you get away.”

“This,” I thought, “is what I need.”

I made it up to my mountain. A ranger was at the entrance to the path, and I asked him if he’d seen any mountain lions or bears lately. He said that a mountain lion hadn’t approached a human in about 12 years or so. And as for bears, they’re rarely seen on the path. I wondered if my pepper spray would work. He assured me I probably wouldn’t need it.

Since my encounter with the ranger, I’ve been hiking my mountain several days a week for about a month now. I’ve seen no mountain lion or bear, but I have seen tarantulas, deer, several species of birds, and rattlesnakes. I’ve heard the wind speak to me through the trees and felt the heat of the sun as I walked on the red earth during the day. I’ve heard the owl at night, seen bats fly at me and barely miss me as they fly off, and felt the cool night air. Once I’ve even seen a shooting star.

There is no wolf where I walk, but I’ve seen him in spirit, and he speaks to me. I feel the mountains are my church and my god. God’s the whisper I hear as I’ve passed the three-mile mark that tells me there is no worry that can survive this trek.

I’m even now starting to take my mountain with me in my dreams, and I could swear my dad walks with me when I pass certain landmarks. He passed on over ten years ago. He always shows up between the 3.5 and 4 mile mark where the mountain is pure rock, where I’ve seen a few tarantulas, and where the mountain sage grows.

I’ve gotten in touch with a few of my native spirits, including the black wolf, the white eagle and the bear. I’ve become strong, patient, and silent. I have found my path, and I have discovered God. I’ve even made a few friends along the way.

If you follow me up that mountain around dusk, I’ll let you listen to the sound of the wolf wind and feel the breath of God as its cool presence brushes your neck.

By Lisa Trimarchi

Should My Wardrobe Change with a New Living Space?

Should My Wardrobe Change with a New Living Space?

I don’t believe in jumping into new trends and styles based simply on the latest fashion featured on E! News, what your colleagues are wearing, or simply because you want to fit in with others at an event. However, I DO believe in the power of these factors. I am always influenced and inspired by what I see in magazines, on television, on fashion blogs, around town, at malls, and while visiting other cities. But I make it a point to acknowledge this very fact: What works for some people will not always work for me.

But this time, my biggest influence in re-wiring my wardrobe is moving from one home to another.

As my boyfriend Steve and I moved from a two-story condo in Rancho Cucamonga, California, to an Upland apartment-although only about 20 minutes away-I felt the need for a wardrobe update. Moving from an affluent area among senior citizens and lots of space to a complex where our friends live and music blares from people’s balconies while baby-daddy drama sometimes fills the air, I knew that it was time for “out with the old, and in with the new.” I enjoy walking up to my place with a little one asking me to pop his water balloon vs. pulling into my garage and having a next-door neighbor barely look at me. We were a bit desperate to move for various reasons, but for the most part, we were seeking a fun environment and a new peace of mind.

And that is exactly what I gain when I incorporate new accessories, shoes, and blouses into my existing wardrobe-a new peace of mind. Since we moved, I have been on a shopping (but affordable!) craze. Now, with a big backyard/back porch and a renovated apartment, including clean walls, beautiful carpet, and wooden kitchen floors, I am in love with the newness. I also feel this same warm fuzzy feeling inside when I tie my new scarves around my neck or strap on my black Betsey Johnson wedged heels. Fresh! Fun! Fabulous!

So what did I do with a lot of old clothes that have just been sitting in bags in my closet? Well, both Steve and I packed my car full of old, and still fashionable, clothes; we headed to the Goodwill, and dropped them all off without a second thought. Yes, my white college graduation skirt was in that bag, and the cute fur shrug I used to wear during my days at Nordstrom was in that bag. But I was OK with that. Not having touched either of those pieces for at least four years, I was more than happy to make them available for those less fortunate who are seeking some cute finds. Doing a good deed (or a “mitzvah” as my mother enjoys saying) matched my newfound peace of mind perfectly.

This time around, cleaning out my closet took less thought and debate, as I am more aware of what my needs are and how quantity doesn’t mean anything. It’s HOW you wear something and what you wear it with. That said, I am perfectly fine keeping my AG jeans, Nomad Tribe jeans, and pointed-flat Michelle K boots, because with new, flattering pieces to wear with each, I have been able to transform a bunch of old pieces into new personalities.

Reinvigorating my wardrobe has also aroused clarity regarding my shopping senses. Cut up are the credit cards, and out comes the checkbook. It’s the new Elana. Nice to meet you.

Visit http://www.diaryofapersonalshopper.blogspot.com andwww.myspace.com/talkingchic.

Death Race’s Max Ryan – Making a Career Playing the Villain and Making It Look so Easy!

Death Race’s Max Ryan – Making a Career Playing the Villain and Making It Look So Easy!

Landing your first part in a movie your first time out is a big deal, but landing your first role in a blockbuster starring Jet Li and directed by Luc Beson is a sign. Max Ryan has proven that he is and always has been a force to be reckoned with. He plays the villain in Death Race and has had major roles in countless other movies (Blackline, Dark Moon Rising, Kiss of the Dragon, League of the Extraordinary Gentlemen,The Box, Four Years Running, Craven Marsh, Thr3e, Attila the Hun, and The Corrupt).

An Interesting Fact…

At age 12, Max received his first motor cross bike. He had saved his money and his dad helped him buy it. “I started racing school boy motor cross, won my first race at 13 years old; it was my fourth official race.” After that he got sponsored and made it to the British championships in his teen years. After that Max transitioned to super bike and started road racing. “I love bikes and cars, how fast will the bike go, how fast will the car go … Ok, let’s go!” Max loves sports and pushing it to the limits. He’s a big skier and although he’s never skied in America, he laughs that when he skies, the question is “How fast can I go down this hill without killing myself!”

I understand there was a life altering incident that occurred while you were racing. Could you please share that with me?

I was on my race bike. I had a really big accident. You know most riders break a leg and a collar bone—most riders do—you fix it and you go back. I was about 30. I said that’s it, I’ve had enough now. I enjoyed my time, but I want to do something else. I thought maybe it was too late to start something else and I fell into this business (acting). I did a lot of print work and commercials then got bored with that. I thought if I can’t be an actor, then I’m going into property, also another interest of mine. My first movie audition wasKiss of the Dragon. That was the commencement and it set the precedence of who Max Ryan was to become.

Looks like you fell right into your destiny.

It was a real challenge. Thrust into that kind of world first shooting commercials and all of a sudden I’m being [thrown] around and beaten up by Jet Li, and cracking Bridgette Fonda around, I was like ‘damn I hope no one’s watching.’ And all of a sudden I start playing these bad guy roles.

So you have a few movies in production right now that have yet to be released.

Yes. The big one is Death Race for me right now. I’ve shot 4 studio pictures and they’ve been amazing. To stay in the studio system for any actor, to be really honest, it’s difficult. So you get asked to do independent films. And I’ve got three movies now that are in post production. They’ll be coming out next year. That’s the exciting thing. I’m actually the good guy in 2 of those movies.

Well that’s positive. (They both laugh) So we actually get to see you smile.

That’s going to be interesting for me even. They’re looking really sexy. By the end of the year all three of them will be finished.

So you were lucky… You know I’m not going to say lucky because that’s not a really fair term. People work hard and people call them lucky. That’s not really fair.

Yeah it’s been hell because I was living in England trying to get an agent or a manager. It’s like getting a hole in the head. It’s difficult. You walk into [an audition] and you’re either on it or you’re not. It’s a fine line between getting it right. But for me I put it out there. I really give it a good shot. I think I’m just a competitive guy. With the racing I kind of have it in my genes, my metabolism, my body and my train of thought that I want to be really good at what I do. That takes a lot of focus. It doesn’t come easy. It’s extremely challenging.

It probably takes a lot of energy I would assume.

It takes a lot of energy—emotional energy. Trying to hold a relationship down is really difficult. Telephone relationships have been difficult. It’s cost me a couple of relationships if you know what I mean.

So have you worked around that problem yet?

Not right now. I thought I cracked it but I missed—another chapter of my life.

So you mentioned that being a competitor has helped you land roles. Is there anything that you feel as an actor that you do that gives you the edge?

I am not good at auditioning. I don’t think any actor is good at auditioning, but I think I am particularly bad. I’m nervous. I don’t like being put on the spot. I’m Piscean rising star Leo with an element of Virgo. (Laughs) Don’t ask me why I know that! The casting part of it I’m not particularly good for, but some of the roles I go for they have that element of maybe nervousness or intensity about them so it kind of plays in my favor. This is a helpful message to any aspiring actor or actress: Whenever you get scene, make sure you have everything down in your head. Whatever the other character is saying, what you’re saying. You’ve got to put it down on tape. Find a location and make a film of it. Just make it short and sweet and bring it home. That’s what I did on death race. I was in Europe shooting this TV series and I got sent the sides. We shot it and it happened really quickly. It was just one of those things that was real. I was so excited. I got the offer with the tape. I didn’t have to come to America [to audition].

Tell me about your role in Death Race

I play an inmate named Pachenko who is a killer [Other characters: Jason Slatham, Tyrese Gibson, and Joan Allen]. Set in the future of America and it’s a high security penitentiary. He is sent to kill Jason’s wife and frame him. Jason finds out that it was Pachenko who killed his family. They end up on the race track. Pachenko is a neo-Nazi with tattoos and a mohawk. When we were doing the fight scenes there wasn’t much said because the atmosphere was really intense, and it comes across on camera. There are very intense moments. Even when I saw it, it was so silent and so powerful. It was really good stuff. I’m proud of this work. Everybody including myself worked really hard on this movie.

When you’re in the trenches of such a deep role like that, almost the anti-thesis of whom you might really be, do you find yourself actually becoming that role?

That’s a difficult question. The body goes through a big change. That’s number one because of my diet, training, costumes, and then I was branded with tattoos. I don’t sport any tattoos. So it does have some effect. I’m not a killer of course. But it becomes a very intense chapter in my life. In the audition, I was picked was because I got it down. Like I said it’s a fine line between getting it right and getting it wrong.

It seems like your aim has been dead on for most of your acting career.

I’ve done some great movies. For me it’s all about decisions. I know when I’ve done wrong. I just pick it up and make adjustments where needed. I make really big notes in my mind about auditions.

So what’s next for you?

I have three movies that I am currently the choice, and I want these movies to work out. I wish I could talk about them. They will not be the characters I have played before. One in particular is a really sensitive role. He’s an American icon and it’s a very intense drama, but a real life character, not fictitious. The script is really quite disturbing. The next six months are going to be interesting.

Highest High

The first job (Kiss of the Dragon) I got because it was my first movie. I hadn’t worked for 3 to 4 months. I had gotten offers to do commercials and print. And I said no. I have to stick to my guns here. And when that phone rang, I was like yeah there is a God! That was a real high. I called my mom and Dad. Mom started crying. It was wicked. I learned a lot from that movie as well. Luc Beson gave me some great advice and I still hold on to that today.

Lowest Low

I think I lost some movies because of myself. I am very outspoken. It’s not my fault it’s just the way I am. I went into this one audition. They wanted a big monologue and I completely flubbed it. It was a nightmare. And the casting director said ‘thank you very much.’ He didn’t even look at me. With 15 people in the room, I said ‘I just want to say something in my own defens—that was probably the worst read of my life.’ There was total silence. I used to beat myself down. Think about it for a few days [wishing I had done something differently]. Now I don’t audition unless I am really on it. You’ve got to love the competition and whoever gets the job is right for that part.

On Women

Like any guy I like beautiful women, but I’ve matured a little bit. I still want a beautiful girl, but now I want to know what’s in her head, what makes her tick. I’m in the industry so I attract people in the industry. I’ve met some beautiful women. Personality is really a big thing. The next five years I am looking forward to finding a woman and start a family. It’s just going to hit and it will happen.

A lot of actors have aspirations of writing and directing. Do you have any of those types of aspirations?

I’m a writer. I’ve written 2 screenplays. One of them won the Queens Spirit Award at the Queens Film Festival in New York, which was a huge step. I have a co-writer I worked with on the script for over 5 years. I am particularly good at writing action and dialog because of my background and I’ve read a lot of scripts. As a writer I have achieved something but I don’t think I would ever write again. It consumes your life. I only wrote something because I wanted to make it in the future and I want to star in it. I haven’t directed anything. I’m an actor right now and that is where I want to focus my energies. I don’t want it to take away from what I am currently good at.

To learn more about Max Ryan, visit his website atwww.maxryan.eu.

Interviewed by Kaylene Peoples

Alice Greczyn – Working Hard for the Hollywood Dream

Alice Greczyn – Working Hard for the Hollywood Dream

Alice Greczyn lives the Hollywood dream. Unlike the young starlets who were discovered back in the 30s and 40s, most people struggle for years before they ever got that big break—and some never got that break their whole career. After filling out a card for a modeling agency at the mall with her friend on a whim, she received a call back. She modeled in and around Denver, Colorado, and then one day, a Los Angeles manager came to her agency and requested she come out for pilot season. Out of 300 rising talented aspiring actresses, Alice was one of the three invited to Los Angeles. She immediately booked a commercial and had a guest spot in a film. But don’t be fooled. This actress worked really hard for what she’s earned.

Since that first audition, Alice Greczyn has appeared in several movies including Dukes of Hazard, Shrooms, Fat Albert, and her most recent film, which was just released, Sex Drive. Greczyn’s first television show was the short-lived NBC series “Windfall,” playing the daughter of a lottery winner. She currently co-stars on “Lincoln Heights” where she plays Sage. I interviewed Alice in her brand new apartment in LA and I could see why she is one of those chosen few—she has that special indefinable something. Some have referred to it as the ‘it‘ factor. If she comes across half as authentic on screen as she does in person, then it’s no wonder why she’s come so far in such a short time.

Tell me about some of your recent roles.

I wrapped a film called Sex Drive which will be coming out I believe in October. The director was Sean Anders and he let the actors adlib a lot. I was working with a lot of good people: Clark Duke, Seth Green, James Marsden, Josh Zuckerman, and these guys are funny. And coming from Lincoln Heights where (understandably so) every word needs to be said exactly as written, it was really fun for me to go and be goofy and improv. I play an Amish girl, which was really weird because I so don’t look Amish, but whatever, if they want me for that, okay. It was a lot of fun. I filmed in Florida this summer. I was actually working during the writer’s strike so I was one of the lucky few.

The horror film I did is called Shrooms , and it’s about bad trips while on shrooms. That was my first horror film and that was just exhausting. It was fun. I thought it was a really cool idea and I had so much fun working on it. Plus I got to film in Ireland for 2 months. That was amazing and travel is definitely my favorite thing to do. If I’m not working I’m gone somewhere. That’s nice because my family travels too.

Looks like you’re really close with your family. Are they very supportive of your career?

Yes. I’m the oldest of 5 kids. My mom and my dad and our cat Gypsy. We all traveled a lot together and lived in very small quarters for a long time. So we’re very close. We were home schooled our whole lives. And since we moved around so much our whole lives, we pretty much just had each other.

That’s interesting about you being home schooled. You must have some kind of an edge to be able to book these roles. It seems like it’s happening for you rather effortlessly. Do you think that maybe your education (home school as opposed to traditional schools) is what has helped you get an advantage?

I can see both sides of the argument to home school or to not home school. I’ve had people ask me about it. “Oh I’m thinking of home schooling my daughter. What do you think?” For me it has definitely helped a lot. It’s made me very adaptable, very flexible, I was always told ever since I was a little girl, “Oh you’re so mature. You can speak with adults.” I only had adults! And then my siblings. It definitely made me very open minded.

Did you have any obstacles in pursuing acting?

The biggest obstacle was finding a place to live in Los Angeles. I always tell people get a place to live first. It took me about a year to finally decide I was going to do this. I had roommates and some of them just did not go well, and it’s very expensive to live here as we all know. Fat Albert was a job which allowed me to really cement here.

Auditioning is hard too—it’s exhausting. I don’t feel guilty now about the money I make or anybody else makes because it’s payback for years of work. It’s a fulltime job. During pilot season, I was going on 3 to 4 auditions a day, staying out all night, reading scripts, getting coaching, and driving all around. But then once you are working, it’s like a vacation. I’m focusing on one character, especially if it’s an ensemble cast that’s even better because then you have some time off, and then you can really develop more than having to fry your brain out trying to do too many things at once. Or there’s a flip side—You don’t audition enough and that’s just really discouraging.

Do you take a lot of acting classes?

I took acting classes for the first year and a half I came out and now if I’m having a hard time with a role, or I just want to sharpen up, there are a few acting coaches I see. I prefer to work more one on one as opposed to a class model.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I hope to still be doing films and call a little more of my own shots. I’d love to get married sooner than later I guess. I used to have a whole 10 year plan and honestly with this job, who’s to say. I have no idea. The industry could decide it’s done with me tomorrow. In 5 years I would love to have gone to massage school and be a license massage therapist. My dream would to be able to do one or two amazing films a year, travel with my family, do massage therapy, and cook and do all the things that I like. I’ve never been the type to want to just do one thing.

Maybe you’ll do those things with different roles.

Exactly! That’s the fun thing about acting. I can play different characters. I can travel through time. I can be an army nurse one day and the next day I can be a fashion model.

Highest High

I like being able to take my family on vacation. I was able to pay for them to come out here and go to Catalina Island for a few days. When I was a kid we didn’t have a whole lot of money and our vacations were camping. We literally lived in camp grounds without a house for quite a while. And there were a lot of us. So it was a big treat if we got to eat at the Cheese Cake Factory once a year. So it’s nice when they come out, we can splurge and go to the Cheese Cake Factory every night if we want. [I’d like to] help my siblings out with college. That’s probably my greatest high, being able to share it all.

Lowest Low

Anxiety attacks. This industry is not very friendly to the emotional psyche. It’s just very easy to get stressed out and spread too thin. I have to get away in order to come back. I can’t do what some of the people out here I’ve seen do. It’s just too much. I don’t know how I could go from one job to the next to the next to the next. Pilot season was a pretty low point for me. I was just ready to give it up. There’s nothing humane about it. Everyone just sees you as what they hope you’ll fit. But so many times, you get so rundown and you wake up in the middle of the night and you can’t go back to sleep [worrying if you know all your lines, etc…]. It’s hard to maintain friendships, much less personal romantic relationships when you’re in a job where you do have to travel. I’ve lost touch with so many people and it’s very difficult to maintain a healthy sense of sustained connection and love and support when you’re just exhausted all the time.

What advice would you give to someone who’s trying to pursue an acting career?

Logistically have a place stay if you’re going to come out here, whether it’s a friend or a relative. Save up a lot of money. Secondly, do not take things personally. Have a lot of back bone and a lot of self-discipline. You can’t be sleeping away your auditions. You can’t be lazy and show up on set and make everyone else mad at you because you were out late partying. Keep being inspired and that will get you a long way I think.

Interviewed by Kaylene Peoples